International Education

Experience the World in a Flash

The Office for International Education at Saint Francis University offers short, immersive experiences for students wanting the International Education experience but not necessarily wanting to leave campus for a whole semester.

• International Marine Science: Students earn a variety of Marine Science credits ranging from PADI's Open Water SCUBA certification to Divemaster while diving and exploring the warm, tropical waters of Saint Lucia, Belize, or Bonaire. The location will vary each year depending on program goals and faculty interest. 

• International Service: During Spring Break, students travel to impoverished areas to volunteer in clinical services, extensive community outreach efforts, and health education programs. Programs are geared toward Health Science and Education majors, offering relevant field experiences, but are open to all students. Current destinations include The Bahamas and Guatemala. 

• Spanish in Costa Rica: This 4-week summer program features an opportunity for true immersion in conjunction with Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI). Students become familiar with the Costa Rican culture, live with host families, and gain the extra Spanish proficiency required by some majors and minors as they explore the “Switzerland of the Americas.”

• Spring Break in London: Business majors and Master of Business Administration students may travel to London for spring break and earn credits in an innovative hybrid course: Great Britain and the European Union in the Global Economy. Students will tour the Lloyds of London, the financial district, and Windsor Castle, and also have a guided Jack-the-Ripper walking tour of East London. 

• Field Biology Abroad: Students will research the ecology of The Galapagos Islands, study unique endemic Galapagos animals, and learn about the conservation efforts to preserve the islands before leaving on a seven-day trip to see these legendary islands and their inhabitants in person. By studying this ecosystem and the evolution of endemic organisms, the students will develop a better understanding of ecology and evolution as well as be better able to make informed decisions about how man controls economic development in harmony with nature.

• Alta Via Pilgrimage: In the summer between junior and senior year, the Alta Via students will have an opportunity to go on a 10-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome. This pilgrimage involves praying at and visiting the important sites of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. In addition, the students visit and pray at the beautiful Catholic churches in Rome and connect with the roots of our shared Catholic Faith. 

• Learn in Lille; Live Europe: Two four-week summer sessions are available at the Catholic University in Lille, France with over 20 courses offered in English. Field trips to Lille, Brussels, Bruges, and Ypres are included. Trips to Paris, Normandy, WWI sites, Amiens, Reims, Nausicaa, and the North Coast can be added at an additional cost.

• Engineering in Albi, France: Spend two weeks in the summer studying with École des mines d'Albi-Carmaux, an Engineering School, located in southern France. Courses (taught in English) will be offered in both French language and Engineering, with expert seminars offered on Aerospace, BioHealth, Renewable Engineering, and more. 

For other opportunities through third-party partnerships, please reach out to Ms. Leona Horner, Director of International Education at LHorner@francis.edu.

Extend your knowledge far beyond the walls of Loretto! 

SFU's Office for International Education offers a semester-long program in France for the same room/board and tuition costs as a semester on campus in Loretto (students' financial aid packages apply).

• Semester in Lille, France: Spend the semester studying at the Université Catholique de Lille (UCL) in Lille, France. Enjoy a truly immersive experience, studying alongside students from dozens of other countries. Lille is a vibrant city in northern France that beautifully blends French and Flemish heritage. Once an industrial hub, Lille is known for its art, markets, student-centered atmosphere, and warmhearted locals. It’s the perfect study abroad destination if you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of a large city while still having everything needed right at your fingertips. 

To plan your semester abroad or for other long-term opportunities, please reach out to Ms. Leona Horner, Director of International Education at LHorner@francis.edu.